Many of us have heard an airline steward ask that in case of emergency we are to put on our masks first before tending to children or helping others. However, most parents and caregivers are not taught to take care of themselves first. Therefore when a crisis strikes, we are met with roadblocks to self-care, which in turn impact our youth and loved ones. Gena Jefferson, Founder and Executive Director of JAIA: Just As I Am YOUth Empowerment, shares how we can lay the foundation for promoting self-awareness and self-care even in the midst of life’s challenges.

After serving 22 years in the NYC Public School system as a Teacher and Social Worker, Gena founded her private practice Psychotherapy and Consulting Company GJefferson Counseling Svcs. Also, within that same year, 2010, she founded “JAIA: Just As I Am Youth Empowerment”.
JAIA is a personal and spiritual development leadership program for teens and young adults ages 13-24. JAIA’s mission is to empower youth/young adults towards self-mastery, service &leadership through the use ofUniversal Life Principles and Mindfulnesstechniques, for the purpose of encouraging mental health & promoting positive youth development.Gena has Master Degrees, in Special Education, Educational Administration and Social Work from varied institutions. She was ordained by the Interfaith Council of New York, and holds a Certification in Spiritual Life Coaching from the Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development.Gena has served as an Adjunct Professor/Part-Time Lecturer at Columbia University, Fordham University and teaches currently at Rutgers University.

Gena is passionate about creating environments where people feel safe, empowered and free to express their individuality and to live their very best life!

This group is a place where we read and discuss books by black authors. The result is a discussion which helps us express both personal and systemic acts of racism, privilege, and economic self-interest in the United States. It is a place to learn and contribute in an emotionally safe environment.

The next Racial Justice Book Group meeting is Monday, September 23rd, from 6 – 8 pm on the second floor at BSEC. This month the group decided to discuss “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison.